wool and wine to tractors and travel

Friendship

I’ve known my friend, Rhonda for 30 years now. We met in the spring of 1986 when we were both trying out for our high school’s drill/dance team. I was 14 and she was 13. Rhonda was friendly, bubbly, and easy-going, and we just seemed to click. We were great friends throughout high school as well as college roommates.

Rhonda is one of the best and most authentic people I know: decent, good-hearted, smart, hardworking, fun, beautiful….and, strong. Rhonda is wonderful to everyone she meets, and that is why she is a beloved friend to many.

Over the years, we’ve each experienced life’s ups and downs. And, there have been times in our own individual situations when we’ve been the bigger person, bent over backwards to get along with others, overlooked B.S., and risen above it…..when all we felt like doing was having a hissy fit, meltdown, or losing our ever-loving minds. But, of course, we couldn’t.

That’s when it’s priceless to have someone to vent to, confide in, and figure out things with whom you know you can trust. Someone who will listen and not judge. Someone who is empathetic but doesn’t let you wallow. And, someone who knows all about your flaws but still loves you anyway. That is my friend, Rhonda. She is a blessing to all who know her, and I’m thankful to have her in my life.

I read a quote recently that said, “My friends write the story of my life.” I thought, how beautiful and how true is that? I’m sure you and Rhonda have contributed many chapters to your respective stories. 🙂

How wonderful! My Drew and I are at 29 years and holding. We thought it was pretty special when the day came that we realized more of our lives included each other than not! No small thing. What a beautiful relationship to cherish. ❤

I have one friend who has been around since I was 18, another since I was a new mother in 1980 and my best friend around this small town is Jenny who has known me since 1992. Pretty amazing when you meet someone who wants to stay connected over all the years, through thick and thin. Love is the main ingredient in this special friendship you have with Rhonda. ❤
I am so glad you have her in your life, Tonya!
Please treasure her, since as time passes sometimes we unfortunately lose friends due to unexpected illnesses or diseases. My daughter in law lost her mother when she was only 20, mother only 42. Then her mother in law, when Trista was only 28. Both due to cancer. I really try hard to be a good mother in law, hoping someday she will call me "Mom." 🙂

Oh, did you see that you were the Featured Guest on my Happiness Tag? I know it was June 23rd you nominated me, but I did get my post out on July 23rd celebrating a little late but still some nice folks turned out to see your name and hope you noticed (I think a few more visited here!) 🙂 love you, Tonya!

I just visited. I apologize for not coming by sooner. I was getting over a cold last week and felt terrible. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Robin. You are a gem! I believe a number of folks visited my blog thanks to your kind post. Many thanks and much love! 💗

My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.